Max Pierce
Chapter 4
Maxwell Pierce stood outside Gwen Bennett’s secludedhouse waiting on her to answer the doorbell. The things he’d do for his little brother amazed him. When Carter had returned, explaining that the operativehe wanted to hire flat-out refused and had turned him down, Max had outright laughed until tears formed in his eyes. It was a humbling experience for his baby brother. No one turned him down. Carter was a man used to getting what he wanted. So, the factthat Maxwell was standingat Gwen’s door about to attempt again, on his brother’s behalf, was proof Carter could manipulate even Max into doing his bidding.
Locks moved on the other side of the door, sliding and unbolting before thedoor flew open. Max stared down the barrel of a Glock pointed at his face. The brunette had her finger on the trigger. “This is private property.”
“I saw all five signs along your fence, and the two hanging on thegate. They werehard to miss.”
“Then you know I’m within my rights to shoot you.”
His lips twitched. She was cute, although misguided. “Actually, for it to be justified, you have tofeel threatened for your personalsafety, and I’m positive that probably isn’t the case.”
She glanced down at Max’s attire all the way to his freshly polished shoes before slowly raising her gaze. Her green eyes sparkled. “You’re an attorney.” She raised her brow. “A decent one if you can afford a five-thousand-dollar suit.”
“You know your designers. Carter told me you were observant.” Max gave her a half-smile.
“You can’t force me into taking a job I don’t want,” she said, turning the weapon to show him the safety was on before she lowered it to her side. “I thought I made that crystalclear when he was trying to buy me.”
Maxwell grinned and meant it. “Few people tell my littlebrother no. That’s why I’m here.”
She spun on her heels and headed into her house. “I’m cooking and in the middle of something. You’ve got five minutes to state your case and then get out.”
Max followed her into the brickhouse, taking his time to look around the spaciousliving room. She’d setit up like mission control. Six computer screens hung on one wall. A picture of a man was front and center on one screen while the others were runningprograms Max had never seen. There were no plants and only a few pictures on the mantel. One of her and an elderly woman, a relative, judging by the eyes, and another of her and some other womencloser in age who resembled each other. Sisters, perhaps? But no trinkets, awards, or anything that screamed Fairy Damn Godmother operative. Hedidn’t know what he’d been expecting. Maybe a wall full of guns on one side and a walk-in closet on the other, complete with beauty chair and wigs to change her appearance.
He had not expected this elaborate computer setup. A couch, a recliner, a TV, and three filled bookshelves lined the other walls. When Carter had told Max this woman was skilled, he now understood where she was gaining her knowledge. She had everything from the classics to new releases. Seven languages alone was impressive, not to mention a Ph.D. He followed his nose to the smell of freshly baked bread, the kind his parents’ chef used to make as he and his brother were growing up. The scent of Italian herbsdrifted to his nose as she stirred something in a pot.
“You cook too. I’m impressed.”
That remark earned him a glare.
“Not that I’m implying it’s a woman’s job. I love to cook; my mom’s chef tried to teach me more than once. I never could master the art.” He stopped on the other side of the bar that separated both rooms. Out of her reach seemed appropriate. Something about this woman told him she didn’t like people in her personal space. “It smells delicious.”
“I don’t have time to cook much. I’m always gone, so when I get the opportunity, I do it as much as I can.” She replaced the lid on the pot and grabbed her glass of wine, turning to face him. “What can I do for you,Counselor? I’ve already told your brother no. There are plenty of other operatives just as resourceful as I am. He has his pick.”
“They laughed at his jokes. You didn’t even stick around to hear them, much less hear what the job was. I’m afraid that’s why he chose you.”
“Seriously? Are you telling me that if I would have just flirted with him like someschool-girl ninny thathe wouldn’t have sent you?”
“I’m saying he doesn’t like to be told no.”
“Sucks to be him,” she said, taking a sip of her wine.
“I have a proposition for you.”
She glanced up at the ceiling. Watching the irritation from his words cross her face made him bite back a laugh. Gwen Bennett was unlike any woman he’d come across. He could see Carter’s interest in her.
Max slid an envelope across the bar that separated the kitchen and the dining room. “Just review the files and let me know. This is a copy of everything we have, including copies of the police reports. I wouldn’t ask…” He paused and yanked at his tie. “We wouldn’t ask if the threats weren’t against our sister and our niece. The stalker seems fixated on stopping the wedding that’s fast approaching. Carter and I would do anything to keep them both safe. Our entire family would.”
“How old is the niece?”
“She’ll be five in a week. Her birthday party is coming up. Review the file and call me if you’re interested. I can assure you this threat is genuine. My card is in the package. We’ll work out the arrangements, whatever it takes.”
Her computers dinged and started going nuts,pulling her attention away before he could get an answer. She moved into the room and stood in front of the monitors with her fists resting on her hips, staring at the additional pictures that were popping up. One picture he knew all too well. The building behind the tropical trees was his.
“That’s Seclusion Island, an exclusive private island.” He moved closer and pointed to a man walking into his resort.
“You know this place?”
